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iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL

Five star, all-inclusive sound performance, iFi Audio presents the top of the Micro line, iDSD Black Label portable DAC and headphone amp that delivers on all fronts. Capable of playing all digital audio files from MP3 all the way up to DXD with authority. Mico iDSD Black Label is enhanced from its predecessor with even higher-performing chips and parts, and a full regeneration of internal components and overhauled external design.

At the core of the Micro iDSD BL resides a dual-core Burr-Brown native DSD/PCM chipset that transports listening to extraordinary levels of fidelity. Equally talented in a dedicated system or computer-audio setup, Micro iDSD Black Label also makes for a true portable headphone amp/DAC combination without compromise.

Along with its high-quality op-amps and Sanyo OSCON capacitors, the iDSD Black Label provides interesting sonic options, such as 3D+ to focus the stereo image of the sound, and XBass+ to both deepen and tighten your bass frequencies. Its built-in battery can last between six to 12 hours and its side-USB port is capable of charging audio players, smartphones and other devices.

The best, evolved.

High-Resolution ConversionThe micro iDSD BL retains the unrivalled technical capabilities of its predecessor. This means it is capable of true native playback of all music formats from MP3 all the way up to 512DSD, 768PCM and 2xDXD.

Burr-Brown Chipset x 2The Burr-Brown DAC chip used was one of the last chipsets from BB Japan. This chipset was Burr-Brown’s embodied all their converter technology. It is unrivalled in terms of subjective musicality and is a mainstay of the iFi line including the micro iDSD Black Label.

3D+ and Xbass+The latest iterations of 3D+ and XBass+ are appreciated technologies that further enhance the enjoyment of music. With a larger soundstage and deeper, tighter bass respectively, both are even more engaging and satisfying than ever.

Operational AmplifieriFi ‘OV’ series stands for ‘Operationsverstärker’ (German for Operational Amplifier). The ‘OV’ range IC’s use HCOFC copper lead-frames and 4N Gold bond-wire which are streets ahead of mainstream commercial chips that use inexpensive aluminium bond-wire, low-grade/low-cost copper in the lead-frames.

Sanyo OSCONsOs-Cons, originally from Sanyo (now taken over by Panasonic), have been around for a good while. Among the larger value capacitors useful in power supplies, they hold a special place. They have been used in AMR components up to the revered CD-77 Reference Class CD Processor.

Turbocharged HeadphonesThere are three power output modes, Eco, Normal and Turbo. If used in conjunction with the built-in iEMatch, the micro iDSD BL is able to have the power and gain dialed-in to perfectly suit all headphones from the super-sensitive Sennheiser IE-800 up to the hyper-hungry HiFiMan HE-6.

Intelligent Digital SignalsDigital Audio Players (DAP) and home SPDIF sources are abound. Flexibility remains key and the micro iDSD BL retains the intelligent SPDIF in/out socket for optical/coax signals. So for those who wish to upgrade their DAP, simple use it as a transport and feed the micro iDSD Black Label.

Plenty PowerFrom the very hungry HiFi Man HE-6 down to the Sennheiser IE-800, the micro iDSD Black Label is able to play hi-res out and about for 6 to 12 hours respectively. Even when not in use, it is able to charge an iPhone from 0% to 100% two times through its side USB charging port.